Best Exploit Circus Podcasts (2025)

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Blood Diner (1987) Shenanigans: A Feast of Laughter and Gore | MA 2:33:46

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14d ago2:33:46

2:33:46

Blood Diner Shenanigans: A Feast of Laughter and Gore In this episode of the Exploit Circus Podcast, the hosts dive into the chaotic and bizarre world of the 1987 cult classic film, 'Blood Diner'. Presented as part of an adult-themed circus, they recount the movie's absurd plot involving two brothers running a vegetarian diner that's actually a fro…

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Victorian Circus Freakshows - Wonders of Biology or Exploitation for Entertainment? 14:43

26d ago14:43

14:43

The Victorian circus and its infamous freakshows were a curious mix of biological wonder and human exploitation. While many of the individuals displayed suffered from rare medical conditions, their participation often came at a high personal cost. This podcast delves into the ethical and biological implications of these "freaks," questioning whethe…

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Contemporary Art Museum celebrates 30 years of teen art in ‘We Found Ourselves Here’ 27:51

16h ago27:51

27:51

Thirty years ago, a group of St. Louis teens walked into the Forum of Contemporary Art, sparking youth programs that have since reached more than 30,000 young people. Now the Contemporary Art Museum, a new exhibit, “We Found Ourselves Here: 30 Years of Teens Making Art,” looks back on that legacy and showcases new works by emerging artists in St. L…

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The holidays can be stressful. A St. Louis psychologist offers tips on protecting your peace 22:29

16h ago22:29

22:29

For many people, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. But even the most heartwarming Thanksgiving meal with loved ones can come with sides of social obligation, financial strain and expectation. St. Louis clinical psychologist Dr. Marva Robinson shares advice on connecting with family, managing expectations and making the most…

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A little less conversation, a lot more consequences for 'Elvis' judge in St. Louis County 49:55

1d ago49:55

49:55

In St. Louis County, Elvis has left the courtroom. That’s thanks to an official Missouri disciplinary commission whose decision is forcing the retirement of Judge Matthew Thornhill. Thornhill drew complaints for his habit of dressing up as Elvis in the courtroom, wearing an Elvis wig and making jokes about Elvis to litigants. In this month’s Legal …

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Why Nostalgia Feels Good - The Neurobiology of Memory, Emotion, and Reward 15:49

2d ago15:49

15:49

Ever wonder why hearing an old song or seeing a childhoodtoy can instantly pull you back into a moment that feels both distant and alive? Nostalgia isn’t just sentimentality—it’s a biological and neurological process deeply embedded in the way our brains link emotion, memory, and reward. What feels like a trip down memory lane is, in truth, a caref…

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Bates’ passion for music production, horror inspired her album ‘The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose’ 24:47

5d ago24:47

24:47

Bates is a self proclaimed music and horror fanatic. The St. Louis rapper’s latest album, “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” blends her love of music and scary stories by flipping classic nursery rhymes with twisted origins and showcasing her expansive music tastes with her lyricism. She takes us behind the scenes of her fifth album and she share…

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Sensual and rebellious – this month’s new music round up highlights St. Louis’ take on R&B 25:35

5d ago25:35

25:35

November’s new music roundup is full of R&B bangers.. Alternative R&B tracks like “Mistakes” by Brock Seals and Nate Fox blend jazz and hip-hop with soulful vocals. Latoya Sharen’s “90’s R&B Love (Remix), featuring The HamilTones, takes us on a romantic trip back in time. Along with the music highlights, singer-songwriter Alexia Simone joins host E…

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There are few pigeons in St. Louis. Research shows it’s due to design 22:35

6d ago22:35

22:35

Pigeons are assumed to be common in most urban areas, but St. Louis does not have as many of these birds compared to other major cities. Washington University researchers have found that urban design and planning has a lot to do with that pigeon disparity, which highlights what’s missing in the city’s ecosystem. Postdoctoral fellow Elizabeth Carlen…

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Why there’s no such thing as an ‘authentic’ taco 26:37

6d ago26:37

26:37

In reviews of Mexican restaurants across St. Louis, you’ll find numerous mentions of “authenticity.” But what makes a Mexican dish, like the taco, truly authentic? For Ignacio M. Sánchez Prado, that’s asking the wrong question. In his new book, “Taco,” Sánchez Prado challenges the idea of authentic food by exploring how migration and modernity have…

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Trans voices take center stage in St. Louis play ‘Just Human’ 23:50

7d ago23:50

23:50

A documentary-style play opening this week in St. Louis presents the experiences of transgender people and allies in their own words. Jamie Linson, a clinical psychologist, wrote the play after conducting more than 30 interviews with trans people and their families. The result is “Just Human: Transgender Lives in the 2020s.” Along with Linson, we t…

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Coordinator wants ‘true reform in Ferguson’ as consent decree faces funding cuts 26:08

7d ago26:08

26:08

After the police shooting of Michael Brown, the City of Ferguson entered into a consent decree agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Now, almost a decade later, Ferguson residents and officials are eager for that contract to end. We’ll get an update on its progress from Ferguson Consent Decree Coordinator Patricia Washington, who spoke wit…

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Branson has a reputation. A new book explores what’s true — and what’s missed 30:02

8d ago30:02

30:02

Each year, more than 10 million visitors make their way to Branson, Missouri. Over many decades, the once-small hillside town developed a reputation for being the U.S. capital for performances with overtly religious and patriotic themes, and sometimes, a Christian nationalist bent. Joanna Dee Das’s new book, “Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entert…

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Evidence — not politics — is key to tackling gun violence, says WashU dean 20:05

8d ago20:05

20:05

Firearms are deeply politicized in the United States, hampering regulation and safer gun laws. In St. Louis, 44% of residents say firearm violence is their top public health concern. A new report in JAMA Health Forum outlines a five-step, evidence-based roadmap to safer firearm regulation Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of Washington University’s School of …

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Six months post-tornado, a north St. Louis family has its roof back, and seeks answers 28:46

8d ago28:46

28:46

The Nolan family in St. Louis has been on a long road to recovery since an EF3 tornado tore the roof off their O'Fallon neighborhood home on May 16. We check in with mom Gloria Nolan and her 13-year-old daughter Dylan about how their family's been navigating busy schedules, a new school year, ongoing house repairs and questions they still have abou…

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Tornado damaged schools could see repairs, reopening as soon as next semester 11:50

8d ago11:50

11:50

The EF3 tornado that ravaged parts of St. Louis six months ago devastated thousands of homes and businesses — and a dozen buildings in the St. Louis Public Schools district. Seven schools were so severely damaged that students were displaced. Now, SLPS administrators plan to have the schools either reopened or renovated by December 2026. STLPR’s Hi…

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Why St. Louisans affected by the tornado are concerned about the future of their neighborhoods 10:02

8d ago10:02

10:02

Six months after an EF3 tornado devastated parts of St. Louis, affected residents are still dealing with debris. Others are just now getting their roofs repaired. Without adequate support to rebuild and repair, some are left asking themselves: “What level of degradation to my home am I willing to live with long term?” STLPR engagement producer Paol…

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The One World Approach to Antibiotic Resistance (with Maisie D and Tilly B) 10:15

9d ago10:15

10:15

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing global threat, driven by misused medications and the natural evolution of bacteria. Modern technologies such as AI-guided phage therapy and AMR surveillance are opening new pathways to detect, target, and treat resistant infections more precisely. Tackling this crisis, however, requires a unified “One Worl…

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What Missouri’s 2026 races could reveal about national enthusiasm 13:42

12d ago13:42

13:42

With roughly a year before the nation heads to polls for the 2026 midterm elections, STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum examines some of the Missouri-based races that could foretell a national Democratic wave – or continued GOP dominance. Some of those contests include Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District contest, a slew of high-stakes ballot initiatives – a…

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As the 6-month anniversary of the St. Louis tornado looms, Spencer reflects on recovery 20:40

12d ago20:40

20:40

Sunday marks six months since a devastating tornado struck St. Louis and St. Louis County. And the recovery process still has a long way to go. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer joins the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air to talk about the challenges of rebuilding parts of the city and whether the St. Louis region needs to work together …

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St. Louis County Council Chairman Days sees a ‘dire’ budgetary trajectory 17:09

12d ago17:09

17:09

St. Louis County is facing a sobering financial reality: The budget is nearly $80 million in the red. While a combination of reserve funds and special pots of money like the NFL settlement may bridge the gap this year, policymakers will have to make some tough decisions that may not be popular with residents. STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum talks with St. …

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Australian football club brings hits, kicks and a championship to St. Louis 24:25

13d ago24:25

24:25

St. Louis is no stranger to sports championships, but you may have missed the news of the St. Louis Australian Football Club’s victory over its division rival Denver in the USAFL championships last month. Club players Dave Zitko and Rhiannon Duryea take us inside the championship season. They also break down the basics of the sport, from the hits, …

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Why health insurance marketplace premiums are on the rise 25:57

13d ago25:57

25:57

As open enrollment is underway for people who rely on getting health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace, many are facing steep premium hikes. STLPR health reporter Sarah Fentem talks about what’s driving the increases, how subsidies factor in and what the changes mean for consumers. We also hear real-life stories from people weighin…

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Mill Creek exhibition presents a ‘Black Metropolis’ before its 1959 destruction 28:31

14d ago28:31

28:31

On November 15, the Missouri History Museum will open a major new exhibit focused on Mill Creek Valley. Home to nearly 20,000 people, the neighborhood was erased in 1959 as part of St. Louis' push for urban renewal. We get to know two former residents of Mill Creek Valley who experienced that destruction as children, and who now are part of the lar…

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Flyover Comedy Festival has made St. Louis a comedy destination says co-headliner Jason Sklar 21:43

14d ago21:43

21:43

Identical twin brothers and stand-up comedians Jason and Randy Sklar have become household names in the world of entertainment. The St. Louis natives will be returning home to headline the eighth annual Flyover Comedy Festival on November 13-16 . Jason Sklar joined us to talk about his and his brother’s comedy origins, their favorite memories growi…

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You'll Never Look at Veggie Burgers The Same Way Again | Blood Diner (1987) | T 28:24

15d ago28:24

28:24

The Blood Diner Background: You'll Never Look at Veggie Burgers Again! Step right up and join us at the Exploit Circus Potter for a preview of today's main attraction: Blood Diner (1987). From grotesque humor to exaggerated performances, explore this horror-comedy cult classic through our spirited discussion of its peculiar plot, standout performan…

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Wanda Sykes shows her dramatic side at St. Louis film festival 24:07

16d ago24:07

24:07

Wanda Sykes is most known for her stand-up prowess, comedic roles and activism on and off the stage. Sykes steps into a new kind of spotlight as a dramatic actor in “Undercard,” portraying Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart: a former boxing champ and trainer trying to reconnect with the 21-year-old son she gave up when he was a child because of alcoholism. …

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Dances of India St. Louis brings the story of a 16th century king to new audiences 20:35

16d ago20:35

20:35

The reign of Mughal emperor of India Akbar the Great was more than four centuries ago, but for Dances of India President Nartana Premachandra, the story of his court — and its welcoming of all nationalities, religions and perspectives — is as salient as ever. She shares some of that history in her original dance-theater production, “Nine Jewels: Mu…

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Beneath the Waves - Exploring the Titanic’s Underwater Transformation 13:30

16d ago13:30

13:30

The Titanic, long remembered for its tragic sinking, has transformed into an underwater laboratory, with unique biological and chemical processes actively degrading the wreck. Microbes, including iron-eating bacteria, play a pivotal role in the ship's slow decay, while a new ecosystem of marine life has taken root on the Titanic’s remains. As the w…

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Reviving Horror & Music: A Journey with Exploit Circus | Blood Diner (1987) | CS 1:04:07

16d ago1:04:07

1:04:07

In this inaugural live-streamed podcast episode of Exploit Circus, Ring Master Jay, Hosel the Clown, Cabana Boy Dre, and the Dance in Monkey Cee introduce their show with a whimsical and candid opening. They delve into their upcoming biweekly content schedule and their personal journeys, including Jay's health struggles and his innovative use of ar…

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In a final role, Michael Madsen shows new depth in St. Louis debut of 'Mr. Wonderful' 20:03

19d ago20:03

20:03

St. Louis-based writer Daniel Blake Smith turned his 2018 novel “Mr. Wonderful” into a feature film starring the late Michael Madsen of “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” fame. Ahead of its St. Louis premiere at the St. Louis International Film Festival on Tuesday, Smith talks with St. Louis Public Radio’s Chad Davis about the film, its personal root…

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Missouri U.S. Sen. Schmitt thinks longest government shutdown in history can end soon 29:30

19d ago29:30

29:30

The federal government shutdown has stretched into the longest in U.S. history, with ripple effects across the country — from unpaid federal workers to stalled safety net benefits. STLPR politics correspondent Jason Rosenbaum sat down with U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt in his Washington, D.C. office to talk about the shutdown’s impact, immigration poli…

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New book explores Missouri’s role in the secretive world of execution by lethal injection 25:23

20d ago25:23

25:23

Since its introduction in 1977, lethal injection has been the most commonly used method of execution by states with the death penalty. While it’s often viewed as more humane than other methods, when the curtain is pulled back, it is tainted with error, ineptitude and secrecy that has led to many botched executions and unnecessary suffering. Univers…

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Here’s what St. Louis restaurants opened and closed in October 2025 25:22

20d ago25:22

25:22

St. Louis’ restaurant scene had a “long-awaited” month. Nicky Slices finally opened its brick-and-mortar location — and sold out almost immediately. New spots like Extra Wavy and Prohibition brought fresh life to vacant spaces near Lafayette Square. And the supper club Mainlander reopened in its new location. We dig into the latest openings and clo…

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As the affordable housing crisis grows, so does overcrowding at St. Louis animal shelters 49:56

21d ago49:56

49:56

Animal shelters in the St. Louis region are facing unprecedented overcrowding as the number of surrendered and abandoned pets continues to grow. The Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis reported a 64% increase in the amount of animals taken in between 2023 and 2024, and shelter staff are currently struggling to take care of more tha…

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‘Keenelan’ combines awkward romance and a deep love for St. Louis 22:56

22d ago22:56

22:56

Visual storytellers and creatives like filmmaker Cami Thomas are breathing life into the region’s TV and film industry by drawing in the attention of larger production companies. With her narrative short “Keenelan,” Thomas hopes to foster the region’s economic growth and civic pride, and introduce St. Louis to a national audience. Thomas and “Keene…

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Lost in Missouri jail cells: Why a backlog of defendants deemed mentally unfit for trial persists 28:02

22d ago28:02

28:02

Journalist Jesse Bogan of the Marshall Project reports on the case of Megan Jolly, a 52-year-old woman who has been jailed at the St. Charles County Justice Center for nearly two years. Jolly is among more than 500 Missouri defendants deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and are waiting for a state-mandated treatment to restore competency. Th…

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Coal was the curse that darkened St. Louis. It took a future mayor to clear its skies 24:15

23d ago24:15

24:15

In the 1930s, the St. Louis sky was frequently darkened with coal smoke so dense that it could block out the sun for days at a time. Many cities in the country faced some form of this problem, but none of them solved it until 1941 — when St. Louis showed off its clear, blue skies. Journalist Bob Wyss, author of “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign and Fall…

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‘We’re in overdrive’: St. Louis food banks step up amid stall in SNAP payments 26:31

23d ago26:31

26:31

As the federal government shutdown continues, people in the St. Louis region are stepping up to get food into people’s homes. Yet even with strong community support, local organizations can only fill a fraction of the gap left by suspended federal aid. Operation Food Search CEO Kristen Wild shares how she and her partners have prepared for an influ…

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The strange and dark world of Missouri’s political curses 14:20

26d ago14:20

14:20

American politics is littered with trends, coincidences, and dare we say … curses? Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg discuss those that seem to plague Missouri politics, including the curse of the Missouri House Speaker’s office, the Missouri Democrats 41.7% curse, why a woman has never won the Missouri governorship, and more.…

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Are Missouri Republicans haunted by redistricting bid? Some have regrets, others hold strong 14:38

26d ago14:38

14:38

When Missouri Republicans made a bid to redraw the state’s congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, many of them didn’t expect the logistical nightmare that has ensued. The map is being challenged by lawsuits and a petition to bring it to a statewide vote. That effort is making headway — and it’s looking increasingly likely that eno…

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Lawmaker-turned-witch Kelli Dunaway wants to help people spark their own magic 20:47

26d ago20:47

20:47

Witchcraft is where former St. Louis County councilwoman Kelli Dunaway found empowerment. Soon after stepping down as councilwoman in 2024, she launched Legal Witchcraft. The new venture combines her experiences as an attorney and witch to provide personal development counseling through tarot card readings, moon phase classes and shadow work. Dunaw…

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An ICE raid near St. Louis targeted food workers. An attorney says it’s part of a larger crackdown 21:43

27d ago21:43

21:43

In September, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided a St. Peters restaurant and arrested more than a dozen workers.They have now spent weeks detained and awaiting deportation. Attorney Jim Hacking, who represents ten of the workers, discusses the lead-up to the raid, the legal process so far, and why authorities are detaining people eve…

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How Filipinos found musical excellence, and exploitation, in the 1904 World’s Fair 28:04

27d ago28:04

28:04

We revisit our May conversation with Mary Lacanlale, an ethnomusicologist at California State University, about the role of the Philippine Constabulary Band at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Lacanlale’s great-grandfather, Pedro B. Navarro was a key member of the band during the monthslong event. Lacanlale’s book, “Instruments of Empire,” detai…

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On Día de Muertos marigolds and music guide departed loved ones to back to the living 29:13

28d ago29:13

29:13

Día de Muertos traditions can be seen as macabre, but in actuality, Day of the Dead observances are joyous celebrations of life. The practice of remembering loved ones after they have passed is also one that resonates with people everywhere. In this episode, we learn about the rich history of Día de Muertos from historian and Latinos en Axión STL p…

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Local nonprofit uses financial education to shrink the credit divide 20:59

28d ago20:59

20:59

People with low- to moderate-incomes have less access to credit because they either don’t have a credit score or their score is lower than average. Research shows that such individuals tend to use credit with higher borrowing costs, like payday loans, that increase the likelihood of debt, delinquency and bankruptcy. Liz Deichmann of the St. Louis F…

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Missouri Republicans learn that redrawing congressional lines isn’t so easy 49:46

29d ago49:46

49:46

Missouri is one of several states where state officials are working quickly to redraw voting maps to benefit the Trump administration and congressional Republicans before the next election. Those efforts have hit multiple legal obstacles in the Show Me State, including lawsuits and a looming referendum. How these legal battles end could decide the …

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The Gateway Arch was completed 60 years ago. Here’s a history of how it happened 51:04

30d ago51:04

51:04

Sixty years ago, a construction crew added the final section to the very top of the Gateway Arch. In recognition of its 60th anniversary, we talk with two local historians about the monument’s place in American history, its influence on international architecture and labor movements, and why the Arch is still considered a modern engineering marvel …

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The Power of Three - Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy and the Future of Genetic Medicine 15:31

1M ago15:31

15:31

Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent mitochondrial diseases by combining DNA from three individuals, providing hope for families previously doomed by genetic disorders. With successful trials in the UK, MRT stands at the intersection of groundbreaking science and complex ethical considerations, marking …

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After January snow debacle, St. Louis is preparing now for winter storms 7:13

1M ago7:13

7:13

In January, streets across St. Louis were covered with ice and snow — as much as 10 inches in some places — and the ice remained on the roadways for weeks. Frustrated residents complained that the response from the City of St. Louis was inadequate.This week, Mayor Cara Spencer announced newly updated plans for snow removal. STLPR’s Jason Rosenbaum …